In the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, where the local community pulses with life and the appetite for great food never wanes, the Skirted Heifer stands as a testament to the city’s love of gourmet burgers.

Recently, however, the beloved burger joint faced an unforeseen challenge when an errant car plowed into the building. In the face of adversity, the community’s response was swift and supportive, raising over $14,000 to aid the staff who found themselves without work.

Now, as the Skirted Heifer gears up to reopen in April 2024, let’s take a moment to look back at a momentous occasion when the Food Network’s Guy Fieri visited this local treasure on his show, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

Crossing the threshold of the Skirted Heifer, Guy Fieri found himself in burger heaven. Owners Kevin and Suzette Megyeri, who launched the establishment in 2014, drew Fieri’s attention with their unique, skirted burgers—a cheesy spectacle that gives the restaurant its name. The cheese, alluringly draped over the burger’s edges, creates an iconic ‘skirt’ that leaves diners in awe and hunger. For Fieri, discovering the Skirted Heifer was akin to striking culinary gold, exclaiming with delight as he navigated the menu packed with innovative burger creations.

Among the many mouthwatering options, it was the Hangover Burger that stood out for Fieri. A creation intended to nurse the weariest of souls back to life, it boasts a one-third pound of grass-fed, grass-finished beef, locally sourced from West Cliff, Colorado. “This is gourmet burgers… I can’t think of anything better,” Fieri raved, as he watched the beef get seasoned with the Megyeri’s special focaccia salt.

What really sets the Hangover Burger apart is its indulgent toppings: rich cream cheese, peach wood bacon, and a signature Bloody Mary sauce that Fieri found particularly remarkable. “We’re gonna make you a burger that breaks all the rules,” promised Suzette Megyeri. And true to her word, when Fieri took his first bite, his reaction said it all. “That’s a big burger. There’s a lot going on here… [This] burger’s dynamite with an attitude!”

The flavor journey didn’t end with the burger, as Fieri was introduced to the Skirted Heifer’s fries, sprinkled with a tantalizing mix of brown sugar, kosher salt, and a hint of cayenne. “Those fries are gangster,” he proclaimed, the sweet-spicy combination eliciting a look of pleasant surprise.

As much as the burger and fries are the stars, the Megyeris’ commitment to local and sustainable practices adds a heartwarming layer to the culinary experience. “You can eat it with a clear conscience, knowing that the cattle is well treated,” Fieri noted, highlighting the importance of ethical eating. It’s clear that every burger served at the Skirted Heifer isn’t just a meal; it’s a statement of quality and community pride.

In the aftermath of the accident, the Skirted Heifer’s resilience, underscored by the unwavering support of Colorado Springs, reinforces its place as a key institution in the city. As Fieri would attest, the Skirted Heifer embodies the spirit of a great burger joint, a sentiment echoed by locals and visitors alike who eagerly await its triumphant return.